A feasibility study for the establishment of a music education centre on the Loop Head peninsula in west Clare is to be carried out.
The concept has sprung from the annual jazz school, held over the past two years and initiated by the founder of Rural Resettlement Ireland Ltd (RRI), Mr Jim Connolly.
Well-known jazz musician Dr Louis Stewart will act as artistic adviser to consultants carrying out the study.
Along with well-known German jazz musician Mr Heiner Franz, he has been a prominent figure in the jazz school since its inception.
The voluntary and non-profit organisation behind the project stressed that the term "music education centre" is a working title only and may not be the final name.
The school, it is envisaged, will be based in Kilbaha, a small farming village about 1 1/2 hours by car from Shannon Airport. In 1990, it was the birthplace of RRI which has since relocated 420 families over 20 counties. It is proposed that a purpose-built facility be constructed on a greenfield site to accommodate the jazz school and other music education events. This would eliminate the difficulties associated with holding classes in venues up to six miles apart.
Mr Connolly, who is also a noted sculptor and musician, pointed out that the facility would be non-residential. "This would ensure continuation of business for local B&Bs and restaurants." The proposal would have important educational and tourism spin-offs for the area.
The employment of a permanent administrator and staff is planned.
The Department for the Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht and the Islands has introduced a grant called "Access", with a budget of £36 million, targeted at groups wishing to build such facilities.
The money must be spent in four years.
"We are applying for this under community development, and up to 75 per cent or maybe 85 per cent can be made available to a project. The Minister, Sile de Valera, is a strong supporter of our jazz school and has opened it," added Mr Connolly, who has taken over the position of full-time executive chairman of RRI for 12 months. He also pointed out that the Western Commission has announced long-term community development loans of up to £100,000.
"The bulk of the finance is visible and we are going for it," said Mr Connolly.